by Marella

Created on: September 04, 2009

For majority of the people, finding that dream job is so hard to achieve. We all desire to have a job that will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, an environment that is healthy and friendly, superiors that give recognition, and salary that is high enough to afford the luxuries that we want. But before attaining that coveted job, we all have to undergo multiple steps and processes before we actually get hired. Some companies require several interviews, either one-on-one or with a panel. Sometimes they also give computer and IQ tests. Being asked to be drug tested and background checked are also inevitable. But where in the process do the potential employers actually decide who to hire? Is impressing the interviewer enough to get the job?

In the selection process, interviewing the candidate is probably the highlight or the major factor that affects the decision whether to hire an applicant or not. It is true that with excellent interview skills, perfect answers to the questions, and confidence during the interview will make a big impact on the employer, however, the interview performance is not everything. It is just like the tip of the iceberg that has more to it than what the eyes see. Employers should realize that basing their decision on interview alone is not sufficient; it does not cover all the elements crucial in matching an individual to a particular job. A candidate has to be gauged on every aspect from the communication skills during the interview, the technical skills during testing, and over-all intelligence. We cannot be totally sure that simply because an individual talks fluently and competently in an interview means they are the best fit for a position.

Decision making in hiring should be the totality of all the attributes, characteristics, skills, qualifications, and personality of the potential employee. We must be aware that a person may be a good talker, but may actually lack in the expertise or ability department. A candidate can basically say anything and exaggerate certain facts during an interview in order to make an impact. But testing the actual skills and knowledge of the person will give you a fairly good idea if he or she will be productive in the job. Let us not forget that there are also people who can be considered to be good potential employees in terms of being hardworking, punctual, aggressive, and proactive, but lack a little gift on the interview area. Looking at the whole picture of a possible employee will be the best way to weigh if he or she is the perfect match for the position you want to fill.

We can consider selecting a potential candidate as a hit and miss process. We can never be truly sure if they will be the best person for the job not until they are hired and actually perform the job. Closely looking at the individual in their entirety, including their capabilities, skills, smarts, accomplishments, and intelligence will more or less enable us to hire the correct people for the correct job.

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